Posted By Tom Kensler On October 9, 2012 @ 4:36 pm In College Basketball,Pac-12,University of Colorado | 1 Comment

BOULDER — The Colorado women’s basketball team opened fall practices Tuesday afternoon, getting a jump on the CU men’s team which must wait until Friday night’s “Buffs Madness.”

CU women’s coach Linda Lappe said she couldn’t wait to get started. Colorado, 21-14 last season (6-12 in Pac-12) and a participant in the WNIT, said this team has a good blend of experience and youth.

The roster includes seniors Chucky Jeffery and Meagan Malcolm-Peck and four juniors. Jeffery (15.5 points, 8.0 rebounds) is among the top players in the Pac-12.

“This is the first time we have juniors and seniors with a lot of game experience,” said Lappe, in her third season since taking over at her alma mater. “We had a great preseason and we’re excited.”

Although Colorado returned four starters off last year’s team (losing 6-3 Julie Seabrook), Lappe said she expects contributions from each of the three true freshmen: 6-foot-1 Lauren Huggins of Heritage High School in Littleton; 6-2 Jamee Swan of Tucson (Ariz.) Marana and 5-7 Kyleesha Weston of Park Hill High School in Kansas City, Mo.

“They all bring something different,” Lappe said. “I think all three of them are way ahead of where our freshmen were in other years.”

Also anxious to make her debut is redshirt freshman Arielle Roberson, a 6-1 forward from San Antonio (Texas) Wagner and sister of CU men’s basketball standout Andre Roberson. Arielle underwent back surgery last fall and sat out the 2011-12 season.

The Colorado women’s hoops team will join the men’s squad Friday night in the Coors Events Center for “Buffs Madness” to kick off the start of hoops season. Madness activities, which are free to the public, will immediately follow the 7 p.m. CU women’s volleyball match against Arizona State. The volleyball match also will have free admission.

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